THE INCA HEARTLAND - 20 DAYS

This tour brings you to all well known Inca sites in Southern Peru, but wait... there is more ! How about the Amazon Jungle, the Andes highlands, or the Altiplano? And tourist-less Peruvian cities? This is the best tour if you want to discover Peru as it is.
This tour is mainly on paved roads.
A very special combination of nature, culture and spectacular driving, that's for sure !

Information about the car insurance:

The rental car is fully insured against:

- Damage to the rental car
- Third party property damage
- Personal injury to third parties

With an excess/deductible of max. US$ 1,000.00. A safety deposit of US$ 1,000.00 is required in cash or with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard). It is not possible to re-insure the excess/deductible. The rental company can not accept any other insurance. If the client has such an insurance, he/she has to pay the excess/deductible and then claim it on their own insurance.

For all damage: Whatever the cause is !

Day 1 --- Arrival in Arequipa, Peru

Altitude: 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

When you arrive on the airport of Arequipa, we will pick you up and bring you to your hotel.
The rest of the day and the whole 'Day 2' is for resting, acclimatize and exploring the beautiful colonial 'White City' in southern Peru, which we call home. During these days a representative of PeruMotors will visit you and brief you extensively about your upcoming self drive tour.

Day 2 --- Arequipa - Puerto Inka

Distance: 410 km (255 mile)

Altitude: From 2.300 meters (7,500 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning the rental car is delivered at the hotel. Finally, the tour can start. The first stage is to the coast, descending about 2,300 meters. From there the route goes along the coast all the way to Puerto Inka. You will pass small villages and enjoy the spectacular views. The hotel Puerto Inka is one to remember, because of its amazing location, a natural bay. Once this was the harbor of the Inca's. There are still some interesting Inca-ruins next to the hotel.

Day 3 & 4 --- Puerto Inka- Nasca

A relative short drive through one of the driest deserts on earth. On your way to Nasca you can visit Museo Sacaco (petrified whale) and/or pre-Inca cemetery Chachilla. Around noon you'll arrive in Nasca. A 'Must Do' is a flight over the Nasca Lines. But Nasca has more to offer, like the Paradones and the Inca aquaducts.

Day 5 --- Nasca - Huacachina

Distance: 150 km (90 mile)

Altitude: From 500 meter (1,650 feet) to 400 meter (1,312 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement / Salt, gravel and sand in Paracas National Reserve

Today starts with a drive over the famous pampa with the lines and figures. No way you can see them on ground level. From the "Maria Reiche Tower" you'll have a nice view on 3 figures and numerous lines. A few kilometers down the road you can visit the "Maria Reiche Museum". In the afternoon you'll arrive in the most beautiful oasis in the Americas: Huacachina. Here you have the possibility to do some sand-boarding in the dunes and/or sand buggy riding. Spectacular as a rollercoaster.

Day 6 --- Huacachina - Paracas

Distance: 70 km (45 mile)

Altitude: From 400 meter (1,312 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning, just after breakfast, you'll have to drive to Paracas, where you have the possibility of visiting the Islas Ballestas, better known as the 'Poor-mans-Galapagos-Islands', by speed boat. After the boat ride you can drive through the Paracas National Reserve, a very special experience.

Day 7 --- Paracas - Ayacucho

Distance: 360 km (225 mile)

Altitude: From sea level to 2.800 meter (9,200 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

After a week of traveling in Peru you will finally climb the mighty Andes. Soon you will be on serious altitude. Here you will meet the cameloids of the Andes: lamas, alpacas and vicuñas. And starts the ever-winding road to Ayacucho. You can visit the Inca ruins of "Tambo Colorado", to get in the Inca-mood. And then over the Andes to Ayacucho.

DAY 8 --- Ayacucho - Abancay

Distance: 380 km (236 mile)

Altitude: From 2.800 meter (9,200 feet) to 2.000 meter (6,560 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

A long, but beautiful driving day through the high Andes. Lunch could be somewhere around Andahuaylas. Spectacular mountain views will be your part today. You will stay the night in touristless Abancay.

Day 9 --- Abancay - Ollantaytambo

Distance: 220 km (140 mile)

Altitude: From 2.000 meter (6,560 feet) to 2.800 meter (8,860 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (depending the route)

Continuing driving the high Andes on your way to the "Sacred Valley of the Inca's". Destination today is the authentic Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After enough of ascending and descending you will arrive in the little town with an impressive Inca fortress.

Day 10 --- Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2.430 meter (8,000 feet)

Because there is no existing road to Machu Picchu, there is no other option than the train. The lost city of the Incas is something that you cannot skip when visiting Peru. Famous all over the world because of its setting, the architecture and the mystery of this city, in the inaccessible Andes makes it worth while to visit. In the evening the return to Ollantaytambo, the same way you came... by train.

Day 11 & 12 --- Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Distance: 80 km (50 mile)

Altitude: From 2.800 meter (8,860 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (depending the route)

A relative short drive to the ancient capital of the Inca empire: Cusco. This is one of the most beautiful cities of South-America. Along the way there are some more Inca ruins you can visit.
In Cusco you can stroll the little steep streets and visit the Plaza de Armas, the local markets, the cathedral, museums, ruins of Sacsayhuaman and much more.
Because there is so much to see, you stay two nights in this city.

Day 13 & 14 --- Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

Distance: 470 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 210 meter (690 feet)

By airplane

The car stays at the hotel in Cusco, but you're of to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. On arrival you will be picked up by the hotel and brought to the docks. Here you will board a small boat for your ride to the lodge in the jungle. At the lodge all the meals and the excursions are included. A fantastic experience to hear all the sounds and smell the jungle. Two nights isolated in the jungle.

Day 15 --- Puerto Maldonado - Cusco

Distance: 470 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 210 meter (690 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

By airplane

In the morning the hotel brings you back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco you go back to the same hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in Cusco.

Day 16 & 17 --- Cusco - Puno

Distance: 420 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 3.800 meter (12,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

A long connection day over the Altiplano with fantastic views. At the end of the afternoon you will arrive in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The next day is to explore the highest navigable lake in the world. During the day on the lake you will visit the "Floating Islands" of the Uros people and the real island of Taquile.

Day 18 --- Puno - Colca Canyon

Distance: 320 km (200 mile)

Altitude: From 3.800 meter (12,500 feet) to 3.600 meter (11,800 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

Again you'll have to cross the Andes, now westbound on you way to the deepest canyon in the world: Colca Canyon. Along the way you will reach the highest point of the whole tour: 4.910 meters. Then it is downhill to the little town of Chivay in the heart of the Colca Valley.

Day 19 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Distance: 260 km (160 mile)

Altitude: from 3.600 meter (11,800 feet) to 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

Road Surface: Pavement and about 40 km (25 miles) unpaved

Early in the morning you go further into the Colca Canyon. At "Cruz del Condor" you can see the Andean Condor in flight. This bird is the largest flying bird. After the condors, you will find your way back to the city of Arequipa, where the tour ends.

Day 20 --- Departure from Arequipa

Today we will bring you to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

Toyota HiLux Toyota LandCruiser

Video

Is Peru safe to travel on your own?

YES !!! The roads are good and the people are very friendly. Of course, you'll have to be cautious, like you would be at home, or in any other part of the world.
South America (Peru) doesn't have a good reputation, but in our 12 years in business, not even one of our guests experienced big problems.
And, by the way, we live ourselves with our families for more than 12 years in this country. So far without any major problems with criminality.

Is the airfare included in the price?

No. Our guests are coming from all over the world and as a tour operator we are not big enough to bargain good prices with the airlines. So, you'll have to arrange your flight to Arequipa (and back). We will provide you the exact dates for arrival at and departure from Arequipa.

To which airport do I have to fly for a tour?

In general, you'll have to fly to Arequipa, Peru (airportcode: AQP). This city is our homebase. Normally you will fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and take a domestic flight from there to Arequipa.
Very often the airlines offer the domestic flight from Lima (Peru) to Arequipa (Peru) for a small addition to your international airfare. Ask for it !

How do I make a booking for your tours?

Search for the <BOOKING> tab on the page of the tour you want to book. Fill out the form click <SEND>. We will contact and inform you about the rest of procedure.

I'm not very tall. Is it possible to lower the motorcycle?

Suzuki DR650: Yes, this motorcycles has the possiblity to lower the rear suspension with 5 cm.

BMW F700GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW F800GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW R1200GS: No, but we can put the seat in the lowest position.

Is there a spare motorcycle available on the tour?

No.

What happens if I wreck my motorcycle?

Well... with our experience, if the motocycle is wrecked beyond repair, most of the time the rider is not in a good shape to ride a motorcycle anymore. If you are still fit enough to ride, we will try to get the motorcycle back on the road. If this is not possible, we will try to replace the motorcycle. For the time being you'll have to join our mechanic in the support vehicle. Sometimes, on certain routes, the motorcycle guide can give you his motorcycle.

Is any food and/or (soft-) drinks included?

- Self guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels is included.

- Guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels and the lunches on riding days are included.

Is it likely to suffer from altitude-sickness?

Most of our tours have differences in altitudes between sea-level and about 5.000 meters (16,400 ft.). On average about 50-60% of our guests will suffer some symptoms, like headache, nauseousness, insomnia, etc. Let's say: "flu-like symptoms". It is impossible to predict who will suffer the symptoms and who won't. Fitness and age of the person doesn't seem to matter.
There is a lot you can do to avoid the symptoms: On altitude drink lot's (at least 3 liters / 0,75 a gallon) of non-alcoholic fluids, like water, coca-tea, coffee and soft drinks. And eat chocolate, candy and other sweets.
In severe cases oxigen is needed, but that is quite rare. All hotels on altitude have it available.
Or you can use medication, like Diamox. Our advise is that you don't take any medication, before you have the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms it is even better is to buy 'local stuff' in the Farmacias in Peru.
Everybody will at least notice that they are on altitude, for example while climbing stairs.
Normally your body will be adjusted to the altitude in about 4-5 days. And the symptoms will disappear by itself.

Are the airpoirt transfers in Arequipa included?

Yes ! We will pick you up from the airport, or we will send a taxi to pick you up. And, of course, after the tour we will take you to the airport for your flight home.

What is the best time of the year to pay Peru a visit?

Weatherwise, roughly between March and December, becasue that is the dry season. In the highlands a rain shower can be expected year round.

Do I need a visa for traveling to Peru?

Citizens from most countries in Europe and North and South America can enter Peru with a "Tarjeta Andina de Migración" (TAM). This is a tourist visa which you can get upon entering Peru. Please, check for yourself if you need a visa, or if you can enter with TAM.

And how about a visa for Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile and Ecuador?

It is your repsonsibility to get the necessary (tourist) visa(s) for the countries you travel. PeruMotors can not help or assist you with that.

Information about the car insurance:

The rental car is fully insured against:

- Damage to the rental car
- Third party property damage
- Personal injury to third parties

With an excess/deductible of max. US$ 1,000.00. A safety deposit of US$ 1,000.00 is required in cash or with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard). It is not possible to re-insure the excess/deductible. The rental company can not accept any other insurance. If the client has such an insurance, he/she has to pay the excess/deductible and then claim it on their own insurance.

Day 1 --- Arrival in Arequipa, Peru

Altitude: 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

When you arrive on the airport of Arequipa, we will pick you up and bring you to your hotel.
The rest of the day and the whole 'Day 2' is for resting, acclimatize and exploring the beautiful colonial 'White City' in southern Peru, which we call home. During these days a representative of PeruMotors will visit you and brief you extensively about your upcoming self drive tour.

Day 2 --- Arequipa - Puerto Inka

Distance: 410 km (255 mile)

Altitude: From 2.300 meters (7,500 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning the rental car is delivered at the hotel. Finally, the tour can start. The first stage is to the coast, descending about 2,300 meters. From there the route goes along the coast all the way to Puerto Inka. You will pass small villages and enjoy the spectacular views. The hotel Puerto Inka is one to remember, because of its amazing location, a natural bay. Once this was the harbor of the Inca's. There are still some interesting Inca-ruins next to the hotel.

Day 3 & 4 --- Puerto Inka- Nasca

A relative short drive through one of the driest deserts on earth. On your way to Nasca you can visit Museo Sacaco (petrified whale) and/or pre-Inca cemetery Chachilla. Around noon you'll arrive in Nasca. A 'Must Do' is a flight over the Nasca Lines. But Nasca has more to offer, like the Paradones and the Inca aquaducts.

Day 5 --- Nasca - Huacachina

Distance: 150 km (90 mile)

Altitude: From 500 meter (1,650 feet) to 400 meter (1,312 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement / Salt, gravel and sand in Paracas National Reserve

Today starts with a drive over the famous pampa with the lines and figures. No way you can see them on ground level. From the "Maria Reiche Tower" you'll have a nice view on 3 figures and numerous lines. A few kilometers down the road you can visit the "Maria Reiche Museum". In the afternoon you'll arrive in the most beautiful oasis in the Americas: Huacachina. Here you have the possibility to do some sand-boarding in the dunes and/or sand buggy riding. Spectacular as a rollercoaster.

Day 6 --- Huacachina - Paracas

Distance: 70 km (45 mile)

Altitude: From 400 meter (1,312 feet) to sea level

Road Surface: All pavement

Early in the morning, just after breakfast, you'll have to drive to Paracas, where you have the possibility of visiting the Islas Ballestas, better known as the 'Poor-mans-Galapagos-Islands', by speed boat. After the boat ride you can drive through the Paracas National Reserve, a very special experience.

Day 7 --- Paracas - Ayacucho

Distance: 360 km (225 mile)

Altitude: From sea level to 2.800 meter (9,200 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

After a week of traveling in Peru you will finally climb the mighty Andes. Soon you will be on serious altitude. Here you will meet the cameloids of the Andes: lamas, alpacas and vicuñas. And starts the ever-winding road to Ayacucho. You can visit the Inca ruins of "Tambo Colorado", to get in the Inca-mood. And then over the Andes to Ayacucho.

DAY 8 --- Ayacucho - Abancay

Distance: 380 km (236 mile)

Altitude: From 2.800 meter (9,200 feet) to 2.000 meter (6,560 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

A long, but beautiful driving day through the high Andes. Lunch could be somewhere around Andahuaylas. Spectacular mountain views will be your part today. You will stay the night in touristless Abancay.

Day 9 --- Abancay - Ollantaytambo

Distance: 220 km (140 mile)

Altitude: From 2.000 meter (6,560 feet) to 2.800 meter (8,860 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (depending the route)

Continuing driving the high Andes on your way to the "Sacred Valley of the Inca's". Destination today is the authentic Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After enough of ascending and descending you will arrive in the little town with an impressive Inca fortress.

Day 10 --- Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2.430 meter (8,000 feet)

Because there is no existing road to Machu Picchu, there is no other option than the train. The lost city of the Incas is something that you cannot skip when visiting Peru. Famous all over the world because of its setting, the architecture and the mystery of this city, in the inaccessible Andes makes it worth while to visit. In the evening the return to Ollantaytambo, the same way you came... by train.

Day 11 & 12 --- Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Distance: 80 km (50 mile)

Altitude: From 2.800 meter (8,860 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement (depending the route)

A relative short drive to the ancient capital of the Inca empire: Cusco. This is one of the most beautiful cities of South-America. Along the way there are some more Inca ruins you can visit.
In Cusco you can stroll the little steep streets and visit the Plaza de Armas, the local markets, the cathedral, museums, ruins of Sacsayhuaman and much more.
Because there is so much to see, you stay two nights in this city.

Day 13 & 14 --- Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

Distance: 470 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 210 meter (690 feet)

By airplane

The car stays at the hotel in Cusco, but you're of to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. On arrival you will be picked up by the hotel and brought to the docks. Here you will board a small boat for your ride to the lodge in the jungle. At the lodge all the meals and the excursions are included. A fantastic experience to hear all the sounds and smell the jungle. Two nights isolated in the jungle.

Day 15 --- Puerto Maldonado - Cusco

Distance: 470 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 210 meter (690 feet) to 3.500 meter (11,500 feet)

By airplane

In the morning the hotel brings you back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco you go back to the same hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in Cusco.

Day 16 & 17 --- Cusco - Puno

Distance: 420 km (290 mile)

Altitude: From 3.500 meter (11,500 feet) to 3.800 meter (12,500 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

A long connection day over the Altiplano with fantastic views. At the end of the afternoon you will arrive in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The next day is to explore the highest navigable lake in the world. During the day on the lake you will visit the "Floating Islands" of the Uros people and the real island of Taquile.

Day 18 --- Puno - Colca Canyon

Distance: 320 km (200 mile)

Altitude: From 3.800 meter (12,500 feet) to 3.600 meter (11,800 feet)

Road Surface: All pavement

Again you'll have to cross the Andes, now westbound on you way to the deepest canyon in the world: Colca Canyon. Along the way you will reach the highest point of the whole tour: 4.910 meters. Then it is downhill to the little town of Chivay in the heart of the Colca Valley.

Day 19 --- Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Distance: 260 km (160 mile)

Altitude: from 3.600 meter (11,800 feet) to 2.300 meters (7,500 feet)

Road Surface: Pavement and about 40 km (25 miles) unpaved

Early in the morning you go further into the Colca Canyon. At "Cruz del Condor" you can see the Andean Condor in flight. This bird is the largest flying bird. After the condors, you will find your way back to the city of Arequipa, where the tour ends.

Day 20 --- Departure from Arequipa

Is Peru safe to travel on your own?

YES !!! The roads are good and the people are very friendly. Of course, you'll have to be cautious, like you would be at home, or in any other part of the world.
South America (Peru) doesn't have a good reputation, but in our 12 years in business, not even one of our guests experienced big problems.
And, by the way, we live ourselves with our families for more than 12 years in this country. So far without any major problems with criminality.

Is the airfare included in the price?

No. Our guests are coming from all over the world and as a tour operator we are not big enough to bargain good prices with the airlines. So, you'll have to arrange your flight to Arequipa (and back). We will provide you the exact dates for arrival at and departure from Arequipa.

To which airport do I have to fly for a tour?

In general, you'll have to fly to Arequipa, Peru (airportcode: AQP). This city is our homebase. Normally you will fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, and take a domestic flight from there to Arequipa.
Very often the airlines offer the domestic flight from Lima (Peru) to Arequipa (Peru) for a small addition to your international airfare. Ask for it !

How do I make a booking for your tours?

Search for the <BOOKING> tab on the page of the tour you want to book. Fill out the form click <SEND>. We will contact and inform you about the rest of procedure.

I'm not very tall. Is it possible to lower the motorcycle?

Suzuki DR650: Yes, this motorcycles has the possiblity to lower the rear suspension with 5 cm.

BMW F700GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW F800GS: No, we can only offer an original BMW lowered seat, which lowers the seat height with 3 cm.

BMW R1200GS: No, but we can put the seat in the lowest position.

Is there a spare motorcycle available on the tour?

No.

What happens if I wreck my motorcycle?

Well... with our experience, if the motocycle is wrecked beyond repair, most of the time the rider is not in a good shape to ride a motorcycle anymore. If you are still fit enough to ride, we will try to get the motorcycle back on the road. If this is not possible, we will try to replace the motorcycle. For the time being you'll have to join our mechanic in the support vehicle. Sometimes, on certain routes, the motorcycle guide can give you his motorcycle.

Is any food and/or (soft-) drinks included?

- Self guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels is included.

- Guided tours: the standard breakfast in the hotels and the lunches on riding days are included.

Is it likely to suffer from altitude-sickness?

Most of our tours have differences in altitudes between sea-level and about 5.000 meters (16,400 ft.). On average about 50-60% of our guests will suffer some symptoms, like headache, nauseousness, insomnia, etc. Let's say: "flu-like symptoms". It is impossible to predict who will suffer the symptoms and who won't. Fitness and age of the person doesn't seem to matter.
There is a lot you can do to avoid the symptoms: On altitude drink lot's (at least 3 liters / 0,75 a gallon) of non-alcoholic fluids, like water, coca-tea, coffee and soft drinks. And eat chocolate, candy and other sweets.
In severe cases oxigen is needed, but that is quite rare. All hotels on altitude have it available.
Or you can use medication, like Diamox. Our advise is that you don't take any medication, before you have the symptoms. In case of severe symptoms it is even better is to buy 'local stuff' in the Farmacias in Peru.
Everybody will at least notice that they are on altitude, for example while climbing stairs.
Normally your body will be adjusted to the altitude in about 4-5 days. And the symptoms will disappear by itself.

Are the airpoirt transfers in Arequipa included?

Yes ! We will pick you up from the airport, or we will send a taxi to pick you up. And, of course, after the tour we will take you to the airport for your flight home.

What is the best time of the year to pay Peru a visit?

Weatherwise, roughly between March and December, becasue that is the dry season. In the highlands a rain shower can be expected year round.

Do I need a visa for traveling to Peru?

Citizens from most countries in Europe and North and South America can enter Peru with a "Tarjeta Andina de Migración" (TAM). This is a tourist visa which you can get upon entering Peru. Please, check for yourself if you need a visa, or if you can enter with TAM.

And how about a visa for Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile and Ecuador?

It is your repsonsibility to get the necessary (tourist) visa(s) for the countries you travel. PeruMotors can not help or assist you with that.